Eyeing the T-20 World Cup, Tilak set to be rested for two T-20Is against the Kiwis after surgery
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) does not want Tilak Varma to participate in the T20 series from the beginning against New Zealand after Varma had to undergo emergency surgery in Rajkot. Varma, who is already in the Indian squad for the forthcoming T-20 international series, was diagnosed with testicular torsion. According to a new development, Tilak may miss the first half of the T20I series, which means the first two T20 Internationals. Still, the BCCI and its medical team, before including him in the squad for the last three matches of the five-match series, will assess his recovery progress. Tilak underwent a minor procedure at a private hospital in Rajkot after experiencing pain in the groin region while representing Hyderabad in the Vijay Hazare Trophy group stage. The initial reports of testicular torsion had raised doubts around both his immediate international commitments and his participation in the T20 World Cup beginning on 7th February. However, the latest update suggests the situation is far less difficult than first feared, providing major relief to the Indian camp. With nearly a month to go before the World Cup, Tilak is now on track to be fully fit in time for the marquee tournament. Tilak has been one of India’s most dependable T20 batters over the past year and was earmarked as the team’s designated No. 3 for the home World Cup. Even at the domestic level, he has continued his purple patch, scoring his sixth List A century in Hyderabad’s Group B clash earlier this week and finishing his short Vijay Hazare campaign with 143 runs from two innings at an average of 71.50. With Tilak missing at least the first two matches, the door opens for Ishan Kishan to slot in at No.3. Suryakumar Yadav, who is in awful form, can be a perfect number three, while adding Rinku Singh would be easier now.
